Exploring Transformation in and Across Clusters of Excellence

At the RWTH Aachen University, there are two Clusters of Excellence: The Fuel Science Centre (FSC) and the Internet of Production (IoP). Due to their complex structures, long-term funding, broad variety of disciplines involved and other exclusive characteristics, they provide high chances of change and might, thus, be seen as levers for transformation. In this article, the focus is put on the potential transformation on the content-level and the structures as well as the implications of transformation on the team and work processes are described since the Clusters of Excellence do not only underlie external influences fostering transformation (e.g. political decisions or environmental conditions) but also internal ones due to, for instance, staff turnover or new research findings influencing the future visions and operating of the clusters.